Meet Jonathan Labadie | Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Labadie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The biggest decision that contributed to our success was fully leaving my previous career path behind and committing to something that wouldn’t drain the life out of me. My business partner, Nick, and I are still working our day jobs to fund M2 Labs, and we’re totally fine with that. Right now, we’re essentially working to “pay for the band” until the business can sustain us.

But beyond just building a business, this is fun. Music and being a musician have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and getting to create within this industry again scratches an itch I hadn’t touched in over a decade. It’s not just about selling pedals or shirts—it’s about being part of a world I love, one that fuels creativity and keeps things exciting. The long hours don’t feel so long when you’re doing something that genuinely fires you up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
M2 Labs is something my business partner, Nick, and I built from the ground up because we wanted to create gear that actually excites musicians. We’re all about crafting high-quality analog audio equipment that stands out—both in sound and design. We believe analog still has a magic that digital just can’t replicate, and that’s why we’re committed to keeping things fully analog. Every component is chosen with care, and every circuit is built to deliver the best possible sound.

What sets us apart? We’re obsessive about quality, and we don’t cut corners. Every pedal we make is designed to be both functional and visually unique—because, let’s be honest, gear should sound and look cool. We’re not just slapping together circuits; we’re creating something we’d want to use ourselves.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. Starting a business from scratch means juggling everything—design, manufacturing, marketing, and funding—all while working full-time jobs. But we knew going in that this wasn’t going to be an overnight success. We’ve had to stay adaptable, push through setbacks, and keep refining what we do. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that patience and persistence are everything. You have to love what you’re doing enough to keep at it, even when it feels like an uphill battle.

At the end of the day, M2 Labs isn’t just a brand—it’s a passion project turned full-on business. We want to inspire musicians and give them tools that make them want to create. That’s what keeps us going, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re coming to Atlanta, we’re going to make sure you get the full experience. First stop—Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. This place is the real deal when it comes to barbecue. The ribs are slow-cooked, covered in a rich, tangy sauce, and practically fall off the bone. The mac and cheese is exactly what you want it to be, and if we’re lucky, there will be a live blues band playing while we eat.

For beer, we’re sticking with well-crafted pilsners and proper German-style brews. Halfway Crooks Beer in Summerhill is a must. They specialize in crisp, clean lagers and helles beers, and the whole place has this laid-back European beer hall feel. Then we’d head over to Bold Monk Brewing, which does excellent European-style beers in a cozy, monastery-inspired space. Their house lager is one of the best in the city. If we’re still going, Elsewhere Brewing has a Czech-style pilsner that’s as close to perfect as it gets.

Somewhere in between all that beer, we’d need a good meal, and Truva in Midtown is a great pick. Their Mediterranean food is top-notch, and the lamb shank is the kind of dish you remember long after the meal is over. The warm lavash bread is dangerously good, and the whole place has a relaxed but polished atmosphere.

For live music, Blind Willie’s in Virginia-Highland is non-negotiable. It’s a small, intimate blues bar with decades of history, the kind of place where you can feel the energy the second you walk in. The music is always phenomenal, whether it’s a seasoned legend or a local act playing their hearts out. Grab a beer, settle in, and just let it take over.

Of course, we’d spend some time in Little 5 Points, because there’s nothing else quite like it. It’s gritty, eclectic, and packed with character—record stores, vintage shops, street art on every wall. It’s the perfect place to just walk around and take it all in. While we’re there, we’d stop at The Vortex for a burger. It’s a no-nonsense, rock-and-roll kind of spot where the burgers are massive and perfectly cooked. You won’t leave hungry.

To cap it all off, we’d hit The Earl or Terminal West for one last round of live music, because if you’re visiting Atlanta, you need to experience at least one great show before heading home.

Just talking about this makes me want to go run through this itinerary myself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The saying “It takes a village” is something I take very seriously. I’ve had countless people in my corner—people who’ve taken risks on me, supported me through every twist and turn, and helped make this whole journey possible. We literally couldn’t do any of this without them.

While narrowing it down to just one person is tough, I have to give a huge shoutout to Nick, my business partner and fellow co-founder. He’s not just a collaborator—he’s one of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. I also have to give credit to Seth Godin and his Purple Cow, which completely reshaped how I think about business and creativity. And, of course, my fiancée, who has been endlessly supportive through all the chaos, late nights, and wild ideas.

Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who has ever received a random text from me asking for their thoughts on a song, artwork, a design—whatever wild idea popped into my head. Your input, encouragement, and honesty have meant the world. This isn’t just a solo effort; it’s a community effort, and I’m beyond grateful for that.

Website: https://www.m2-labs.com

Instagram: m2labsofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2-labs-llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M2LabsAudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@M2Labs